Fortnite Makes a Comeback on U.S. iOS App Store: Court Rules Apple Violated Order in Epic Games Lawsuit

Epic Games’ popular title, Fortnite, is set to return to the iOS App Store in the United States. A recent court ruling has determined that Apple violated a previous order in the ongoing Epic Games vs. Apple legal battle. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers stated that Apple acted against the court’s 2021 injunction aimed at stopping its anti-competitive practices.

Epic’s lawsuit accuses Apple of monopolistic behavior, particularly due to its 30% commission on all in-app purchases and the restriction of alternate payment methods. This ruling means that Apple must now allow developers to connect directly with users for payment options without imposing new fees.

In a striking statement, the court indicated that Apple’s VP of Finance, Alex Roman, misled the court. Documents revealed that Apple was aware of the anti-competitive risks and chose the worst options deliberately.

This legal clash began back in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, following Epic’s antitrust lawsuit. Tim Sweeney, Epic’s CEO, celebrated the court’s findings on social media, stating that the "Apple Tax" on transactions is ending, not just in the U.S. but potentially worldwide due to similar measures in Europe under the Digital Markets Act.

Sweeney hinted at Fortnite’s return to iOS soon but emphasized that the fight continues on a global scale. He proposed a "peace plan" where if Apple adopts a fairer payment structure globally, Fortnite will return to all App Stores without ongoing litigation.

Sweeney also noted that this decision benefits all developers. They can now offer their payment services alongside Apple’s, allowing for competitive pricing. "This is about having a level playing field," he added, making it clear that they just want a fair chance to compete.

Interestingly, Sweeney mentioned Fortnite’s in-game outfit, the "Tart Tycoon," created in 2020 to symbolize Apple blocking the game. He teased that another outfit, the "Pie Patron," could be released if a resolution is reached.

As the legal landscape shifts, this case highlights a growing trend in tech: developers pushing back against large platforms and demanding fairer terms. With ongoing discussions about app marketplace regulations worldwide, the outcome of this battle could shape future interactions between tech companies and game developers.

For more on the legal framework surrounding app markets, you can explore the Federal Trade Commission’s report on competition in digital markets.

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